Life Dogs

Mr. Plow · 07-22-2009, 11:57 AM

We bought a Chihuahua (Bruiser) several months ago and quickly discovered that small of a dog is NOT the dog to have around 3 small children. He was always under our feet and the kids did not understand "be gentle".

Last night, Bruiser was staying with my parents while the wife & I are out of town. My dad was taking my kids somewhere and backing out of the garage - Bruiser ran under one of the tires. He was severely hurt - broken leg, internal bleeding, and burst bladder among other things. The vets recommended to put him down - which is what we decided.

My kids loved Bruiser. Too much it seemed at times. So, my wife & I decided to not tell him that he was put down. We are going to tell them that we had to get rid of him because he was so small. But, we are going to get another dog for the house - probably this weekend.

So, my question is, what is a loving type of dog - fairly good sized & tough - to have around kids? A dog they can rough house with without worrying about hurting him and without worrying about him getting defensive and biting. I guess I'm asking what are good kid friendly dogs?

DJ's left nut · 07-22-2009, 11:58 AM

Labrador.

1000X labrador.

Brock · 07-22-2009, 11:59 AM

I have 3 labs. They're the best dogs in the world. However, there's a lot of great dogs available in animal shelters too.

Dayze · 07-22-2009, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

I have 3 labs. They're the best dogs in the world. However, there's a lot of great dogs available in animal shelters too.

We have a lab mix;
65 lb female. The sweetest dog. Great dog.
Doesn’t so much ‘play’ like my other dog etc; but she lkes to play with the other dog. Other than that, she just lays at your feet; cuddles up next to you when she manages to sneak up on the bed etc.

Awesome dog.

Radar Chief · 07-22-2009, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

Labrador.

1000X labrador.

This.
Though I’d add female, males can be bull headed.

DJ's left nut · 07-22-2009, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radar Chief

This.
Though I’d add female, males can be bull headed.

I think just the opposite.

Females can be stubborn and independant. Males are just your standard, happy, oafish dogs, especially if they're fixed. If you breed a male it has a tendancy to get a little stubborn, but otherwise I think they're much easier to work with.

Full disclosure, I've got 3 males passed out on the floor at present. But I've had ample experience with females and I've found them to be far less compliant than males.

If you don't want to go with the more standard route, go with a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. They're going to get bigger than most labs and don't have near the energy that labs have (i.e. not as playful) but they're just as laid back and will also become protective of children.

If you go with a shelter dog, don't get a puppy. I always advocate shelters and rescue dogs, but not for people with small children w/ little dog experience. You just don't know how a shelter puppy will turn out as it matures. When younger they may not show terrier or something, but as they get older that terrier nature will come out and you'll end up with a bad kid dog. If you're getting a shelter dog, get one that's no younger than 18 mos old, IMO.

beach tribe · 07-22-2009, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

Labrador.

1000X labrador.

As long as you don't live near a farm. They LOVE to find the smelliest pile of shit, and roll in it.

**The Franchise** · 07-22-2009, 11:59 AM

The wife and I have a Lab/Beagle mix that will lay there and let our 2 year old beat on it. The damn dog laid there and let her color her with a sharpie marker. Never bitten her....only knocked her over a few times. Otherwise a loving dog....

Want her?

**The Franchise** · 07-22-2009, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pestilence

The wife and I have a Lab/Beagle mix that will lay there and let our 2 year old beat on it. The damn dog laid there and let her color her with a sharpie marker. Never bitten her....only knocked her over a few times. Otherwise a loving dog....

Want her?

Here she is.

**Old Dog** · 07-22-2009, 11:59 AM

MOhillbilly · 07-22-2009, 11:59 AM

American Pitbull Terrier.

This is the be all to end all of canines. If you want i can help you find a goodin.

**Scorp** · 07-22-2009, 12:00 PM

I am a firm believer in Labrador Retriever. Yes they get big but they learn to be very gentle and protective of children. They love to play frisbee and catch.

**The Franchise** · 07-22-2009, 12:00 PM

Oh yeah....and she'll also refuse to leave the kid when she can tell that she's sick.

**Old Dog** · 07-22-2009, 12:00 PM

I wouldn't suggest 1000 of them like DJ's nut did though....just one to start with

Mr. Plow · 07-22-2009, 12:00 PM

So, very quickly I'm seeing Lab may be the way to go.

07-22-2009, 11:57 AM	Topic Starter
Mr. Plow In Search of a Life Join Date: Dec 2005 Casino cash: $1857391	Dogs We bought a Chihuahua (Bruiser) several months ago and quickly discovered that small of a dog is NOT the dog to have around 3 small children. He was always under our feet and the kids did not understand "be gentle". Last night, Bruiser was staying with my parents while the wife & I are out of town. My dad was taking my kids somewhere and backing out of the garage - Bruiser ran under one of the tires. He was severely hurt - broken leg, internal bleeding, and burst bladder among other things. The vets recommended to put him down - which is what we decided. My kids loved Bruiser. Too much it seemed at times. So, my wife & I decided to not tell him that he was put down. We are going to tell them that we had to get rid of him because he was so small. But, we are going to get another dog for the house - probably this weekend. So, my question is, what is a loving type of dog - fairly good sized & tough - to have around kids? A dog they can rough house with without worrying about hurting him and without worrying about him getting defensive and biting. I guess I'm asking what are good kid friendly dogs?
Posts: 30,824

07-22-2009, 11:58 AM	#2
DJ's left nut Sauntering Vaguely Downwards Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Columbia, Mo Casino cash: $2839099	Labrador. 1000X labrador.
Posts: 60,652

07-22-2009, 11:59 AM	#3
Brock Say hello to my little friend Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Larryville Casino cash: $9598422	I have 3 labs. They're the best dogs in the world. However, there's a lot of great dogs available in animal shelters too.
Posts: 47,314

07-22-2009, 11:59 AM	#8
The Franchise Most Valuable Villain Join Date: Dec 2006 Casino cash: $2945047	The wife and I have a Lab/Beagle mix that will lay there and let our 2 year old beat on it. The damn dog laid there and let her color her with a sharpie marker. Never bitten her....only knocked her over a few times. Otherwise a loving dog.... Want her?
Posts: 92,209

07-22-2009, 11:59 AM	#10
Old Dog Supporter Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Central Kansas Casino cash: $4646131	Lab
Posts: 10,674

07-22-2009, 11:59 AM	#11
MOhillbilly Mama Tried Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Missouri Casino cash: $9949903	American Pitbull Terrier. This is the be all to end all of canines. If you want i can help you find a goodin. __________________ True Son of Liberty
Posts: 23,371

07-22-2009, 12:00 PM	#12
Scorp Whiskey Tango Foxtrot OVER! Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hell Casino cash: $6629000	I am a firm believer in Labrador Retriever. Yes they get big but they learn to be very gentle and protective of children. They love to play frisbee and catch. __________________
Posts: 4,507